Wakefield Council takes action against persistent shoplifter

A man has been issued with a Criminal Behaviour Order for shop-lifting in Castleford - after joint action was taken by Wakefield Council and West Yorkshire Police.

Philip Baines, aged 35, of Milnes Grove, Airedale was given a two-year Criminal Behaviour Order and a 12-month suspended prison sentence at Leeds Magistrates’ Court on 13 May 2026.

Gillian Marshall, Wakefield Council’s Chief Legal Officer, said: “We’re dedicated to making sure the district is a safe place to live, work and visit. Actions such as shoplifting have a detrimental impact on local people and businesses. This order shows that we won’t tolerate anyone causing distress or posing a danger to people’s livelihood and that we will take proactive action to tackle anti-social behaviour.”

The Criminal Behaviour Order prevents Mr Baines from entering TESCO Express, Fryston Road, Airedale, Castleford, ASDA, Holywell Lane, Castleford, Go Local, 17 The Square, Airedale, Castleford and Greggs  9 The Square, Airedale, Castleford, including forecourts and carparks attached to the named premises and also from remaining on any retail premises in the Wakefield Metropolitan District area if asked to leave by staff.

The Order remains in force until midnight 12 May 2028. Breach of a Criminal Behaviour Order is an offence and could result in a prison sentence.

Sergeant Adam Crisp, of Wakefield East Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “Shop theft has a financial impact on local businesses and causes stress and anxiety to staff who are simply trying to do their jobs. 

“By working in partnership, this Criminal Behaviour Order gives us extra powers to assist us to take action to protect our communities.”